Festivals & Awards

81st Venice International Film Festival 2024 (Nominations: Queer Lion & Venice Horizon Award)

29th Busan International Film Festival 2024

“a vital social drama in the body of a crime thriller… ”

Deepak Rauniyar’s third feature is a thriller of byzantine complexity headlined by a queer police detective, set amidst Nepal’s 2015 ethnic-minority movements…  Pooja, Sir has the feel and crisp visuals of a commercial thriller(-lite)…  forget momos and Mount Everest: this is your mini crash course on the Nepal of today.

Olivia Popp, CINEUROPA

The close proximity camerawork employed by Sheldon Chau, coupled with the fact that the frame is often reduced by foreground intrusions, lend Pooja, Sir an intense and often claustrophobic feel… the ensemble performances from the cast, including Dayahang Rai, are strong and the central case plays out with style.

Amber Wilkinson, EYEFORFILM

Nepal’s ‘Pooja, Sir’ is a vital social drama in the body of a crime thriller… a tense police procedural, is an accomplished examination of power — Magrati is magnificent in the role, approaching it with poise and purpose.

Siddhant Adlakha, JOYSAUCE

‘Pooja, Sir’ is a film that takes us right to the heart of its intrigues, culture, and landscapes. In that respect, it is unexpected and fascinating. We are delighted to present it to audiences in France.

Michèle Halberstadt, ARP.

Nepal’s ‘Pooja, Sir’ Defeats Cancer to Make Venice Debut

(EXCLUSIVE)

“Once again, Deepak Rauniyar crafts a story rooted in the social realities of his home country, this time through the lens of the crime genre, depicting discrimination on various layers. We believe that with its compelling narrative and the outstanding performance of Asha Magrati, this film will be one of the standout gems in this year’s Venice selection.”

Meret Ruggle, Trigon-film